Anti-ragging Bill introduced in HP assembly

Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions Bill, 2009, introduced in the assembly is passed.The Bill, introduced state education minister Ishwar Dass Dhiman, makes ragging a cognisable, non-bailable and compoundable offence with the permission of the court and will be deemed to have come into force from March 25 this year.

The minister also introduced the Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technology (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2009.

According to the anti-ragging Bill, whenever a complaint is made in writing, the head of the educational institution will be required to conduct an inquiry within 24 hours.

Every single incident of ragging where the victim or his guardian or head of the institution is not satisfied with institutional arrangements for action, an FIR shall be lodged without exception. Failure to do so would be construed as culpable negligence on the part of the institution, and the convicted person could be liable for punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or a fine up to Rs 10,000 or both.

Himachal Pradesh is the fifth state in the country to have laws against ragging. The other four are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala and West Bengal.